I came back to the Hancocks for the second time for the purpose of bushwacking to MOUNT HANCOCK-NORTHWEST PEAK (one of 2 peaks remaining on my "Trailwrigt NH 4000 Footers" list) ..... it was not to be. The plan was to bushwack along the ridge from Mount Hancock, the Hancock summit woods are completely closed-in (solid wall) and the climb up showed very dense/rough woods with blowdown. I didn't see any signs of entry and didn't feel comfortable with a solo attempt, I therefore aborted the attempt. Others have made it successfully from here.It looks as if the "Trailwright" list won't get completed unless I find another route.

There were 4 other hikers on the crowded lookout rock. I took a good long snack break before starting the descent, during which time a Canadian Jay hung around watching us. One of the hikers told me that if offered food he would take. I put bread crumb in my hand and sure enough he flew to it without hesitation and gently pecked it. How many hikers has he watched before he had the nerve to take the food ????? beautiful experience. He's also a bit of a ham .... he posed for pictures. Except for the coloring the Canadian Jay is like a large Robin.

I returned the same way to the Kancamangus Hwy TH somewhat disappointed. I overnighted at the Hancock (4 seasons) Campground, tomorrow I will drive to the Lake Winnipesaukee area for a climb to Mount Roberts.

The drive along the Kancamangus this time of the year, especially in the Lincoln area is truly spectacular .... an orgasmic painting of yellow/oranges/browns and greens. My very best favorite time to be in the woods is after the foliage when the woods are nude and the ground is blanketed with color .... reminding one of a nude woman.